(April 30, 2025) The City of Marco Island is reminding contractors, businesses, landscaping professionals, and residents that driving and parking on private vacant lots is prohibited unless the property has been properly permitted for that use. This is to protect both private property and threatened wildlife within the City.
· Marco Island Municipal Code § Sec. 18-144 (2024) prohibits the operation and parking of any vehicles or equipment within 33 feet of burrowing owl burrows and within 25 feet of gopher tortoise burrows.
Vehicles and heavy equipment parked on vacant lots may inadvertently kill protected endangered species. This is especially important during Burrowing Owl nesting season (February 15- July 10) when owls and chicks are particularly vulnerable. Not all Burrowing Owl burrows are marked, and Gopher Tortoise burrows are not always obvious, so damage is easily done by careless parking.
The Florida Burrowing Owl and Gopher Tortoise are classified as “State Threatened” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher Tortoises, Burrowing Owls, and their burrows are protected under state law, Chapter 68A-27, Florida Administrative Code. Burrowing owls, eggs, and young are also protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Important reminders:
· To prevent unnecessary disturbance, take or burrow collapse, operation, and parking of any vehicles or equipment is prohibited within 33 feet of burrowing owl burrows and within 25 feet of gopher tortoise burrows.
· Any equipment staging, material storage, and commercial vehicle parking can only be done in accordance with approved City permits or on improved parking areas.
· Violations may result in fines, delays, or revocation of permits.
To report a violation: Call City of Marco Island Code Enforcement at 239-389-5060 or email the MIPD Code@cityofmarcoisland.com, or use the My Marco App. Questions can be directed to the City of Marco Island Growth Management Department at (239) 389-3949.
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